188. Should Parents Apologize to Their Teens? Why It Builds Trust

188. Should Parents Apologize to Their Teens? Why It Builds Trust

Author: Therese Connolly August 29, 2025 Duration: 25:38

Do you ever feel like your teen’s anger, distance, or rejection means you’re failing as a parent?

If you’ve ever wrestled with shame, pressure to be the “perfect” parent, or guilt about raising kids solo, you’re not alone. The truth is — those messy, uncomfortable parenting moments are actually the biggest opportunities for healing, growth, and connection with your child.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

  1. How to shift away from harmful parenting scripts that tie your worth to your child’s choices
  2. Practical reset tools for handling meltdowns, screen-time battles, and emotional pushback without losing your cool
  3. Why leaning into repair, humility, and self-trust creates stronger, more authentic bonds with your teen

Listen now to learn how to stop chasing perfection, embrace repair, and parent your teen with more confidence, compassion, and connection.

To learn more about Heather Frazier click here 👉 https://heatherfrazier.com/

📧Connect with Therese (Tess) Connolly, LCSW, CCC here👇: therese@mindfulkidsandfamilies.com Website: www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com

🆘 Need 1:1 Support? Book right here to connect with Tess for a 45-minute FREE “Parent Reset” session: Parent Reset Call

⭐Got screen time problems at home? Get the Tech Reset Agreement here 👉Mindful Kids and Families

⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses)

The Single Parenting Reset Show supports single moms, working moms, and all parents with practical parenting tips on screen time, emotional regulation, co-parenting, stress relief, setting boundaries, building trust, and raising confident tweens and teens, while tackling tech addiction, behavior problems, and parent burnout with conscious parenting strategies for stronger family connection.

#singleparents #parentingtweensandteens #ScreenTime #behaviorproblems #Communication


Navigating the tween and teen years alone comes with a unique set of daily tests, from managing defiance to negotiating screen time in a connected world. Single Parenting Reset Show: For Solo Parents of Tweens and Teens is here for that journey. Hosted by Therese Connolly, a licensed clinical social worker and family coach, this podcast moves beyond theory to offer actionable steps you can use immediately. Therese draws on both professional expertise and a genuine understanding of the solo parent reality, where you’re the only one setting boundaries and mending fences. Conversations focus on turning behavioral challenges into opportunities for growth, finding realistic ways to pull kids from their devices, and fostering a home where communication actually works. You’ll hear strategies for building your own confidence as a parent while strengthening your family’s connections, all without the sugar-coating. This is a space for single moms and dads seeking real-life support, where every episode aims to provide a practical reset for the week ahead. Tune in for a blend of compassionate guidance and concrete tools designed specifically for the solo parent raising adolescents.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Single Parenting Reset Show: For Solo Parents of Tweens and Teens — Manage Behavior Problems, Reduce Screen Time & Improve Communication
Podcast Episodes
246. Why Tweens Push Back: What Parents Often Misunderstand [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:47
Why does your once cooperative child suddenly argue about everything?If you're parenting a tween, you may be noticing more attitude, pushback, and emotional reactions. Many parents interpret this behavior as disrespect o…
240.  Teen Vaping: What Parents Should Say When They Find a Vape [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:27
Found a vape, cartridge, or hidden stash—are you about to say something that shuts your kid down for years?When you discover vaping, your fear often comes out as anger—especially if you’re doing this alone as a single pa…
239. Teen Attitude Problems: Why Rudeness Isn’t Always Disrespect [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:50
When your teen snaps, rolls their eyes, or talks back—do you feel like you’re one comment away from losing it?If you’re parenting solo, teen attitude can feel constant and personal—like you’re failing or losing your rela…
238. Teen Mental Health: Why Late Winter Is Hardest for Teens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:34
Does your tweener or teen seem to fall apart every March — more conflict, more screen time, more shutdown, more stress?If things feel heavier at home right now, you’re not imagining it. March is a predictable stress spik…
237. Teen Screen Time Limits: What to Do Before Taking Away the Phone [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:33
Does your teen’s phone have more control in your house than you do?If every attempt to set limits turns into a meltdown… if you feel nervous even mentioning screen time… or if your teen seems constantly exhausted, moody,…